Rams Fourth-Year RB Urged To Play Better Next Preseason Game
The Los Angeles Rams have the running back of their future in Kyren Williams, after agreeing to a three-year, $33 million extension. Williams rushed for two consecutive 1,100+ yard seasons and 12+ rushing touchdowns, which allowed him to earn his new deal.
Williams had 316 carries for the Rams last season, the third most in the league. Los Angeles needs a player who can fill in for Williams while he is on the sideline or if he is out with an injury.
Ronnie Rivers is entering his fourth season with the Rams and the responsibility could fall on him. Turf Show Times’ JB Scott names Rivers as a player who must play better in the team’s week 2 preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers to maintain his spot on the 53-man roster.
“Mostly all of the running backs played well last week against the [Dallas] Cowboys. Rivers didn’t play poorly by any means; however, Cody Schrader stood out in a big way and with continued success could leapfrog the veteran on the depth chart. Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, and Jarquez Hunter all figure to be safe. If the Rams keep four backs—which they’ve done in some previous seasons, there could be room for either Rivers or Schrader,” Scott wrote.
Rivers has played more as a special teamer in his time in Los Angeles. The former Fresno State Bulldog ran for 99 yards in 22 attempts last season with the Rams.
Ronnie Rivers In The Running Back Depth Chart
GettyRonnie Rivers #20 and Blake Corum #22 of the Los Angeles Rams
As Scott mentioned, 3 players are predicted to be on the roster at the start of the 2025-26 regular season so far.
The Los Angeles Rams currently have 7 players on the roster during the preseason. The four other players are fighting for the final spot in the position group.
Rivers might be in the lead for the 4th running back spot, as head coach Sean McVay called out the player ahead of the Bolts.
“Yeah, I’m looking at them all. I think one of the things you mentioned… I got asked about the runners. I’m looking forward to watching [Running Back] Blake [Corum], watching [Running Back] Jarquez Hunter, and [Running Back] Ronnie [Rivers] and those guys run,” McVay said, via Sports Illustrated.
Rivers signed a veteran minimum deal to return to Los Angeles.
Revitalizing His Career
GettyLos Angeles Rams running back Ronnie Rivers
Ronnie Rivers has only 249 rushing yards throughout in NFL tenure and has yet to record a touchdown. This training camp and preseason appear to be his biggest by far.
If Rivers impresses the coaching staff, he can guarantee his spot on the roster. He may be able to get opportunities in the backfield instead of being a special teamer.
The running back recently suffered a rib injury that will keep him sidelined for some time and may lose the lead for the Rams’ final RB spot.
Having experience in McVay’s scheme, Rivers may jump right back into the fray after healing from his injury and get one last push for his roster spot.
